Esports has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with crazy plays, intense matchups, and some truly legendary players. Across a wide variety of games, from League of Legends and Dota 2 to CS:GO and Valorant, certain players have risen above the rest, showcasing unbelievable skill, jaw-dropping moments, and unforgettable performances. These esports legends aren’t just great—they’ve shaped the way their games are played and created legacies that inspire players around the world.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore gamer, here are some esports legends you absolutely need to know—and why they deserve your attention.

1. Faker (League of Legends) - The Unkillable Demon King

No list of esports legends is complete without Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, widely regarded as the GOAT of League of Legends. Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 with plays that looked like they were straight out of a highlight reel, Faker has not only dominated the pro league but also shaped the very meta of the game.

Faker’s accolades are simply unmatched. He’s a three-time World Champion and the face of T1, one of the most iconic organizations in esports. What makes Faker truly special, though, is his adaptability. Whether he’s styling on opponents with crazy outplays or making clutch moves under immense pressure, Faker has proven time and again why he’s called the “Unkillable Demon King.”

To this day, whenever T1 takes the stage, fans all over the world tune in to see if Faker can add another chapter to his already legendary career.

2. s1mple (CS:GO) - The Sharpshooter Extraordinaire

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev is the definition of an esports prodigy. Known for his insane accuracy and seemingly superhuman reflexes, s1mple is hailed as one of the greatest Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players of all time.

Whether he’s clutching 1v4 situations or racking up highlight-worthy no-scope kills, s1mple’s ability to turn impossible situations into victories has both fans and analysts scratching their heads. He’s been a crucial part of Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), leading the team to their first-ever Major victory at PGL Stockholm 2021—the cherry on top of his impressive career.

His consistency and sheer dominance over years of competition make watching him an absolute treat, and he’s still at the top of his game. If you’re into CS:GO, s1mple is a legend you can’t ignore.

3. N0tail (Dota 2) - The Smiling Champion

Johan “N0tail” Sundstein’s story is one of unrelenting passion and brilliance. Originally a talented Heroes of Newerth player, N0tail transitioned to Dota 2 and became one of the game’s most successful and respected figures.

N0tail led OG to back-to-back The International (TI) championships in 2018 and 2019, making them the only team in history to win TI twice in a row. His leadership and teamwork are legendary, but there’s more to his story than just trophies. He’s known for his joyous and playful personality, which has made him a fan favorite.

N0tail’s creative strategies and ability to foster team chemistry set him apart. Though he’s semi-retired from competing, his impact on Dota 2 is eternal. Watching him in his prime was like seeing a masterclass in how esports should be played—pure genius mixed with genuine love for the game.

4. Doublelift (League of Legends) - From Underdog to Legend

Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng is not just a League of Legends great—he’s an icon of perseverance. His troubled beginnings, marked by family struggles and early career setbacks, didn’t stop him from becoming one of North America’s most successful players.

Doublelift has won eight LCS titles and represented North America on the world stage multiple times. Famous for his aggressive playstyle as an AD Carry, he’s someone who embraced high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Watching him go all-in on fights and coming out victorious was like witnessing fireworks explode on the Rift.

Off the Rift, Doublelift’s confidence and trash-talk became legendary in their own right, sparking rivalries and adding layers of drama to LCS. Even though he’s retired from professional play, his influence on the region—and the esport as a whole—continues to inspire.

5. Faker (Valorant) - The Korean Phenom

Valorant may be one of the newer entries in the esports world, but its legend-building is already in full swing, and one player who stands out is Kim “Faker” Geum-cheol. Known for his incredible versatility and presence under pressure, Faker (not to be confused with the League of Legends icon) has carved out his name as one of the most exciting players in Valorant’s vibrant pro scene.

What’s fascinating about Valorant’s evolution is the mix of veterans from other titles and players who’ve risen to fame solely in this game. Faker epitomizes the latter, and his creativity and discipline in matches make his future career worth following.

6. Daigo Umehara (Street Fighter) - The Fighting Game God

You don’t need to be a fighting game aficionado to know Daigo “The Beast” Umehara. A true esports pioneer, Daigo has been at the top of the Street Fighter world since the late ’90s. If you’ve watched Esports clips on YouTube, chances are you’ve seen that famous Evo Moment 37, where Daigo pulled off an unbelievable combo-parry counter to turn the tide of a high-stakes match.

Daigo represents longevity, skill, and dedication. Even after decades of competition, his passion for Street Fighter is burning bright. Whether you’re a fan of fighters or not, Daigo’s story is the hallmark of what makes esports so incredible—the perfect mix of talent, heart, and showmanship.

7. TenZ (Valorant) - The Prince of Pop-Offs

Tyson “TenZ” Ngo has quickly become synonymous with Valorant excellence. Known for his flashy plays and incredible aim, TenZ might be one of the most mechanically gifted players the game has seen.

After helping Sentinels win the first-ever international Valorant event, TenZ solidified his place as an esports superstar. Fans love watching his streams and matches because he performs with pure style—whether it’s an insane clutch or an impossible flick headshot, you can always count on TenZ to light up the game.

His rise to fame in such a short time proves that a new generation of stars is here, ready to take esports to the next level.

8. GeT_RiGhT (CS:GO) - The Original Clutch King

Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund is a name that lives in the hearts of CS fans around the world. An absolute master of clutch plays, GeT_RiGhT was the foundational player of Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), one of Counter-Strike’s most dominant teams during the early days of CS:GO.

GeT_RiGhT’s ability to read the game, anticipate enemy movements, and deliver devastating headshots under pressure made him a household name for fans and players alike. His longevity in the scene and influence on how CS is played today make him a true legend.

While he’s retired, his legacy continues to shape the competitive scene.

Esports has no shortage of legends, and every game has its own heroes whose stories are nothing short of inspiring. These players not only dominate their respective games but also elevate them, creating moments that make esports the phenomenon it is today.